Cincinnati CBP Seizes Cocaine in Tombstone, Meth in Candy

CINCINNATI—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in Cincinnati began the new year with multiple interceptions of cocaine and methamphetamines at a local express consignment facility.

Freddy, a CBP Narcotic Detector dog, performs a sit response for a package that may contain illegal narcotics. The ChicagoField Office (CFO) employs canine teams at facilities and airports throughout the CFO's area of responsibility.

On January 4, CBP Officers conducting routine inspections found two unmanifested shipments coming from Mexico and destined to Gridley, California. The packages contained what appeared to be tinfoil-wrapped candy, but officers noticed anomalies during both the x-ray and physical inspections. Officers unwrapped the candy and found that several pieces of the candy held plastic capsules containing small bags of a white crystalline powder that tested positive for methamphetamines. Both shipments contained a total of approximately nine pounds of methamphetamines.

On January 24, CBP Narcotic Detector Dog, Freddy, alerted to a shipment manifested as “decorative tombstone” while working incoming cargo from Canada. After noting inconsistencies during an x-ray exam, officers opened the shipment and discovered a tombstone made of a resin material. Upon further inspection, the backing of the tombstone was easily removed exposing a hollow interior packed with a white powder. Officers tested the powder, which was positive for cocaine.

“Our officers are committed to keep our country and communities safe from illegal and dangerous drugs,” said CBP Cincinnati Port Director Joshua Shorr. “This seizure is one example of the quality enforcement work they do on a daily basis.”

The back of this decorative tombstone was hollowed out andcontained cocaine.

Officers recently found other shipments of cocaine smuggled in documents, piston heads, and wheels.

Cocaine and methamphetamines are dangerous and highly addictive stimulants. Abuse of these drugs can lead to paranoia, exhaustion, heart conditions, convulsions, stroke, and death. Both are classified as Schedule II stimulants under the Controlled Substances Act.

CBP conducts operations at ports of entry throughout the United States, and regularly screens arriving international passengers and cargo for narcotics, weapons, and other restricted or prohibited products. CBP strives to serve as the premier law enforcement agency enhancing the Nation’s safety, security, and prosperity through collaboration, innovation, and integration.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with securing the borders of the United States while enforcing hundreds of laws and facilitating lawful trade and travel.